Health

The Health of the State: Living and Dying in Arkansas

Births

Birth rates in Arkansas have, like those across the rest of the United States, generally declined since the mid-20th century, reflecting a trend toward smaller families, begun later in the parents' life.

Year

# of Births

# per 1,000 Population

1950

45,699

23.4

1970

35,457

18.4

1990

36,440

15.5

1999

36,670

14.4

County with most births, 1999: Pulaski (5,513; rate per 1,000: 15.25)
County with fewest births, 1999: Calhoun (54; rate per 1,000: 9.4)

Births to Mothers less than 20 years old, 1980-1999

Year

# of Births

% of Total Births in State

1980

8036

21.5

1990

7174

19.68

1999

6526

17.06

Mortality

Year

# of Deaths

Rate (# per 100,000 pop.)

Rate, non-whites

1950

15,301

881.3

1,006.1

1970

20,668

1,074.6

1,211.6

1990

24,588

1,046

1,035.4

1999

27,934

1,094.9

937.8

The Arkansas Way(s) of Death

Heart attacks, cancers and strokes lead the pack of Arkansans' mortal enemies. A relatively high rating for accidents and adverse effects may reflect Arkansan enjoyment of high-risk behaviors; anecdotal evidence points to lax workplace and recreational safety as contributing factors to the high "accidents" toll. On the other hand, Arkansans commit suicide at a markedly lower rate than does the nation at large.

Leading Causes of Death in Arkansas, 1998, ranked, with national rankings for comparison.